March 16...Home at last....

Flew back from New Zealand just fine....surprisingly I had an extra seat next to me....and the food was good! Arrived in LA and rented a car...drove to Santa Barbara. Stayed with Russ and Kay Howell. But that first afternoon I met with Jeff Schloss at the old stomping ground...East Beach Grill then we both drove to Bart Tarman's place on the Riviera. (Don't Jeff (left) and Bart (right) look a lot like the "Bobbsey Twins?!) Bart and Linda are staying with David and Helene Winter until their house in D.C. sells. We chatted, then I had supper with Russ and Kay before heading across APS to visit Bob and AnnMarie Feitt. Wished John Perry could have joined us but he had a Bible Study and was headed out of town the next day. Sorry John.....we'll reconnect. These are life-long friends from an accountability group of '89 to '93!

Spent the day on Wednesday with the COLD (Commission on Leadership Development). All three US Bishops (Kendall, Roller, and Thomas...with Matt presiding) were present. Enjoyed our conversations and was impressed with the work Mike Kilbane and Alex did in presenting. Had a great time with Howells, shot down to visit Paul and Jeannine in Carp on Wednesday night...then drove to my daugher Eva Marie's in Mission Viejo for the weekend. EM is trusting the Lord daily for the baby...she's 17 weeks along and finding it easier not to worry. I pray daily for her. And Brandon's doing a great job supporting her!

After hearing them sing in church Sunday morning I flew back home in Virginia Beach via St. Louis. And it's great to be home! God blessed me with so MANY new friends...I must have met over 150 people! And He blessed me with health and NO missed flights and no illness and no lost bags! I would NOT have believed that was possible! Thank you Lord and now I pray I will be able to use the unique information I have about the state of Christian higher education around the world to advance the partnerships in this important calling so that the Kingdom may be advanced and God may be honored. To all those who followed my trip I thank you for doing so and especially for praying......

Eva Marie, Brandon, Jimmy, Lyla, Joe, Dan, Craig, Jeannine, Paul, Gary, my home worship group from the Tab church in Norfolk, Paul Corts and Lisa-Jo from CCCU, and perhaps others of which I am unaware.....Thank you!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009 – Auckland, New Zealand – Laidlaw College….and headed to LA today!

Slept early and rose late….trying to build up sleep for the long flight today from Auckland to LA. I’ll leave at 6:40pm and arrive 8 hours before I left! The joys of the International Date Line. I’m GMT+12 which is EST+17 which is PST+20 which means I’m only 4 time zones from CA……BUT it’ll be a long flight…9 hours or more.

Enjoyed chapel here at Laidlaw this morning….Mark Strom (President) spoke after praise and worship choruses. He did a super job….beginning with three examples of atheists. One who wrote in TIME magazine that “Africa needs God!” because the story transforms people and nations! Another, Antony Flew who’s new book “There IS a God” includes admission that while he cannot say there is a God with whom he can have a personal relationship, he cannot after years of anti-apology maintain those arguments any longer. It’s just simpler to believe there IS a God…and in introducing an appendix which testifies to personal faith, says I am almost persuaded…and if I were it would be because of this “story.” Finally, Mark spoke of his talk with bankers in Brussels in December in which they recognize the failure of western culture to acknowledge the long known themes of power, ego, and greed….and by that neglect have allowed us to slip into the current financial meltdown. They WANT to hear the story of Jesus….and as Mark puts it, it’s OUR job to be the articulate Christians who can TELL that story. It was an inspiring way for these couple hundred students to begin their new term at Laidlaw.

Enjoyed a chat with faculty and lunch with Martin Sutherland…Vice Principal Academic. Soon I’ll catch the shuttle to the airport (3:40pm) and the flight leaves at 6:40. I dread the long flight, but look forward to seeing friends and family in California. Also looking forward to being reunited with friends in Virginia Beach…and just plain getting home. I expect to work on notes on the flight…..haven’t really kept up as well as I should have on typing up my 45 pages of handwritten meeting notes. Probably have half of them still to do! And I suspect the urgencies of “catching up” on everything else will make it harder to do that when I get home….so I’d best buckle down, and capture my overall thoughts before I forget them. I do want to finish a list of the suggestions I’ve been building for Paul….

………..for fun…notice that NZ men don’t like to wear white shirts and especially don’t like ties….feels a bit like CA! They like “pointy” shoes, and students don’t stand up for the Hallelujah Chorus….I guess it has something to do with the fact it was the British Queen who did it first….and these more recent colonies don’t like to acknowledge the crown! J

Monday, March 09, 2009 – Auckland, New Zealand – Laidlaw College

It’s hard to believe I’ve visited my last school already! What an amazing…probably once in a lifetime experience this has been. I am grateful to Paul Corts, to my three friends, as well as my two kids Jim & Eva Marie and their spouses Lyla & Brandon who have made this possible…..

My time today began with Mark Strom picking me up for breakfast at the Falls Café in Waitakere City. The old growth trees that gave up their lives for the siding and interior doors and frames were magnificent. The outdoor table, warm sun, and gorgeous wind made our long talk a breeze (sic!) Mark comes from business….consulting with Kinsey, and opportunities for speaking to many groups about his passion to bring the message of Christ to a world that is often not listening. He is an aussie, who suffered seriously in youth from asthma, by his own admission didn’t do well in school, drove truck, was a biker, got into lots of trouble, but was eventually won over to formal education…first at Westminster Seminary and then with a doctorate in social history. His thesis on Paul as a unique agent of cultural transformation sounds fascinating. His coming to Laidlaw (then Bible College of NZ) with a mandate to make major changes is a story of vision and courage on all sides. Laidlaw changed its name in part because in secular NZ the “Bible” name disadvantaged some grads. It was refreshing and inspiring to hear Mark’s vision for liberal arts, and especially his understanding that this comes with challenges in convincing many in the church that this is not “liberal” in the usual sense but quite orthodox. He faces many of the same challenges I felt I faced at Greenville so we could have talked the entire morning away without much trouble! We even came to see a common embrace for “paradox” and the need to accept the ambiguity of so much of what we believe, while affirming without question our passionate faith in Christ. The “rebranding” of BCNZ to Laidlaw was the topic most of the day with several of his staff. Given that NZ has only 5-7% involved in church at all, the task of educating those who are in churches to this idea will be/is challenging. The college has a core curriculum that requires 4 “papers” (courses)…one each in Biblical Theology, World View, Spiritual Formation, and Ways of Knowing. Despite his distinctively reformation seminary education, his approach to these is not strongly reformed.

Laidlaw has 4 schools (Theology, Mission/Ministry,Counseling, and Education). Mark wants to add Humanities (on the model of Oxford’s Philosophy, Politics, and Economics degree). He closed 8 or 10 campuses leaving only Auckland and Christchurch. State subsidy is huge (like Southern Cross…and perhaps even MORE so here in NZ than there in Australia! Amazing! They PAY students’ fees and even pay them to go to school!) One downside is that the government puts a cap on how many can be enrolled. 60% of their funding is government with 40% from fees. They do worry that government funding for the institution directly may weaken…tho the trend for funding the students is becoming more generous. 50% of their admin staff is needed just for administration of the government money though!

They no longer require residency. They have a headcount of 1200, with about 500 FTE of which 300 are in the Auckland campus….with others in Christchurch AND their distance learning program (400FTE). (These figures may not square….got them from 2 different people)
Among the needs….Mark says to find high quality faculty to start the new Humanities degree with a VERY strong quality…otherwise the universities (LC is NOT a university) will laugh at them. Martin Sutherland (AVP) says he’d like to see a program developed as a CCCU “Bestsemester” program here in Pacific Studies. We discussed the apparent reluctance of CCCU add such programs but I encouraged them to develop a program that could be marketed to CCCU students all over. One idea that emerged here that I support wholeheartedly is that the CCCU REINSTATE it’s old policy of endorsing good programs offered by its members/affiliates. If enough other schools send students over a short period of time that should qualify them to be listed. It’s easy and would help MANY affiliates in marketing their programs to other CCCU campuses. Martin also liked the idea of web sites for retirees, for SWAT teams, and even the idea of an informal academic audit.

Glen Teal is a semi-permanent consultant regarding property development. Although many I met said the campus was “tired” (and it is a bit of a rabbit’s warren of smallish buildings pushed together) the main building with library and admin offices was very nice. Their main physical asset is the land of their campus however. It’s large and very well located. Glen is working to attract businesses to develop buildings on it for their own ventures….partnering with them and drawing revenue for operations. It’s a great idea. But one issue to be resolved is that while there seems to be consensus on moving from a Bible school model to a liberal arts (“liberating arts”) model as they rebrand, there is still no decision about whether to deliver this primarily as a residential campus the way it is usually done in the US. THAT in turn will determine HOW the academic portion of the campus is developed as partners use space for commercial ventures. It may even mean moving the campus and leaving this property for complete development as a revenue source.

I enjoyed talking with David, Diane, and Rod at lunch….Journalism (?), Education, and Theology. What great conversation it was!....and great food too! The caterer was very proud of his creations. Also enjoyed a good talk with Matt…their elearning specialist….they are doing some very good stuff with Moogle as their portal and with course packets that are the SAME for the course whether offered online or in classroom. This assures quality. I saw the DVD material, the Moogle interface, and even the interface used in Adobe Connect Pro…which is VERY nice.

Met with Joel and Andrew….to discuss the same challenge of marketing the rebranding. They were concerned with the challenge of getting old constituents to understand this change without concluding BCNZ had gone down the slippery slope to liberal theology. Ah what a familiar worry! We discussed strategies for doing this that rely on articulation of the mission from Mark, videos of him, testimonials students who have come through the change and “get it.” Thanks Esther for making such good arrangements and keeping me SO busy today. And thanks for letting me take your picture....I gather that's a rare occasion! :-)

Mark and I went to dinner in a friend's restaurant now turned café….he’s an American dealing with the slumping economy….talked of Mark’s love for cabinetry, early work as a guide in the Australian Blue Mountain crevasses, and of our families….two of his in Australia. We also talked of his “surprise” role as a national representative of the Christian church in the bi-cultural treaty originally drawn with the Maori. What an honor to speak as THE Christian institution in the nation. Mark is surely articulate and able to do this well. I must say that Laidlaw will be an exciting place to work over the next few years…and surely one to keep an eye on!

I am looking forward to chapel tomorrow, then by early afternoon off to catch a LOOOONNNNNNGGGG flight to LA.

Sunday, March 8, 2009 – Sydney – A personal day….

Had a wonderful day with my dear friends Richard and Tickey Frost. His engineering is going well….as he leads a team of 250 from his firm constructing a 75m dam and multiple pumping stations near Canberra. Despite the cross-cultural challenge of transplanting themselves from Zimbabwe 7 years ago, he and Tickey are blessed that their kids all live within a few miles of them….Carrie and Rob…and little Rachel (Curlique I called her cuz of her hair), Julie and groom to be (April 17) Tim, James and Becca with their son Isaac who was dedicated in church today, and Ashleigh who is studying nursing.

After church, they had James’ in-laws for lunch…20 of us altogether I think…and Carrie and Julie and Ashleigh showed me wonderful pictures of us all together in Zim 20 years ago! My how time flies!

R&T took me to the airport….snapped a fleeting shot of the Opera House as we drove by. Had to check my suitcase (L) which now weight 18kg instead of the limit of 10kg for carry on. But frankly I saw many that I’m confident were larger and as heavy that went on. It’s annoying after 30 days to have some clerks seemingly act so arbitrarily. But heh…after the 3 ½ hour flight the bag was there…and Jim Innes picked me up and delivered me fine to Laidlaw College. They have about 250 students, most of which (95%) are Christian…and a small campus in Christ Church (South Island) and a growing distance program. He’s working on a Masters in Theology…..10th century Simon. The name was change from NZ Bible College because it disadvantaged some grads in this very secular culture. The do have a link with Moody’s and Mark Strom their president has visited the US recently to make additional linkages like that which will bring students here from the US.

It was sad to say goodbye to R&T….but we planned a possible trip to the US (their first) for after Christmas next year…..I hope I can show them CA and then bring them to my place in VA too! Had a nice talk with Kit after arriving here….and now have to hit the hay since I’ve jumped ahead 2 more hours (GMT+12) so while I’m not tired now, I will be tomorrow at 7am…when I have to get up! I’m 17 hours ahead of home, and 20 hours ahead of EM…which means I’m only 4 hours BEHIND CA now! The 24 hour loop around the world is nearly complete…..

Saturday, March 07, 2009 – Sydney – Wesley Institute and the Frosts!

Went to sleep last night at 2am…after talking on SKYPE for quite a while. Awakened at 6am from some random alarm that sometimes pops onto my phone for unknown reasons…..but was happy to doze until 8:30. Met David Johnston from Wesley Institute and he bought me breakfast across the street from the Crowne Plaza where I was staying. David had a vision for a college in southern California while he was doing his DMA at USC. When the church there did not want to pursue it, he brought his vision to Austsralia where the Uniting Church (and the United Mission parish in particular) asked him to do it in Sydney. So for 25 years he has pursued his vision here. I was impressed to learn about WI’s long history, and strong record. They have about 600 students, with only 25 in residence. They have about 25 FT employees including staff, and are very lean in senior admin, with David doing double duty as President and CAO. With 8 departments primarily in arts and music in addition to theology, they are fully accredited by the Australian government. This means they don’t have to work through another university. They do not have university status in their registration, but their students are still eligible for the amazing AUSTUDY and HEC loans that allow them to borrow as much as they need for tuition, room, and board including for things like a choir trip they take to Europe! Students do not have to repay the loan until their income exceeds 40,000 AUSD….and stops whenever their salary drops below that figure! What an amazing benefit from the government! In addition, the AUSTUDY provides as much as $200/week (?) in personal expense money that does NOT have to be repaid! If WI can become registered as a full university, they would also then have access to direct institutional grants from the government for capital projects and grants. They’d like to do this.
The Institute hosts the CCCU Australia Studies Program (ASP) which went through a tough spell of restructuring a year or two ago. It is now owned by and run by the CCCU….as with most other bestsemester programs, rather than the way it was run for many many years…..which was controlled by WI. There is now of course far less revenue coming to WI from ASP. I was unable to meet with Kimberly Sprague the CCCU ASP director, because she was out of town. But she was very helpful in setting up my meeting with David today.
David’s chief concern for the next 12 months will focus on a government 5 year review, 3 other reviews, and a possible change of ownership from the church to a private board of three. This is on the cusp of a decision right now. But he agreed that not only could he REALLY benefit from a “SWAT team” consultancy on management models, but also from an informal audit team that would help WI to be more effective in its structure. I really hope we can do this for him!
Richard and Tickey Frost (old friends from ’87-’89 in Harare) picked me up around 11:30. We drove to their home, and after a nice chat on the back balcony, trailered the boat and headed for Brooklyn boat launch ramp. The time on boat was beautiful, partly because the weather was a crisp blue-skied yet warm fall afternoon, and partly because it was so relaxing to be with such good old friends. We cruised all the way out the open sea…with some pretty big swells! Then returning, we stopped for ice cream and drinks then floated freely for half an hour in the sunset….before driving home…nearly running out of gas…and letting Julie and her fiancée Tim prepare some supper for us. We talked and I shared pix from the web, while Julie and Tim shared pix of the location of their upcoming wedding in April.
We talked Zim politics, and old friends, and just enjoyed the blessing of a friendship that is alive and well after 20 years!

Friday, March 06, 2009 – Sydney - Southern Cross College

Actually slept a bit on the flight from Perth…..met by Jeremy Hodson (Development and Alumni)….who graciously let me sleep at the Crowne Plaza from 8am until 11am! Didn’t really think I would but I guess it was still only 4am in Jakarta, so it was just getting to bed a little late! Jeremy took me to Southern Cross….the campus is nice…an old RAF base they have turned to great use….in many ways a ready-made campus. Many of the facilities are leased to other entities including the Bob Hughes Christian School and a Business College as well as apartments leased to local residents…some students and staff and even a few outsiders. Jeremy and I had a good talk about how fund-raising works…he’s energized by his work…and is focusing on 1:1 “friend-raising” instead of dinners/lunches as before.

Met with Steve Fogarty (Pres), Jeremy Hodson (Development), Shane Clifton (AVP), Steve Carter (American Prof.), Greg Cortese (CFO), Jacqueline Grey (O.T. Prof.)….great conversation. Steve had prepared a wonderful 3 page paper laying out ideas and analysis for me. Thanks Steve…the first someone has done that work for me in all my travels! They gave me several gifts….including a REAL BOOMERANG….not the kind meant to hand on a wall they said…, a wonderful picture book of amazing Australia, and texts written by several of their own. They are proud of their staff. Jacqueline’s book “Them, Us, and Me” on New Testament, David Parker’s, “Learning New Testament Greek Now and Then,” a book on the history of SC (“Miracles”), and a recent issue of the Australasian Pentecostal Studies edited by AVP Shane.

Southern Cross is accredited with the government as an institution….for 20 years at the subdegree (AA) level, and since ’96 for their undergrad degree in theology/ministry. Last year got it for their B.C.M. a degree in contemporary ministry. They are working on department accreditation in teaching, hope to get it eventually in Business, and to try again in Creative Arts. They feel the government process unfairly compares them to state schools with much greater resources…eg. In art studios etc.

They see themselves as moving from being a Bible School to a liberal arts model…just as many US schools made this transition over the past 20 years and more. There are no real models of liberal arts in Australia for them to follow, or for them to hold up to the government as a benchmark. There ARE 6 other “evangelical schools” in Australia…and perhaps 2 accredited Catholic schools…one with affiliation with Notre Dame in the US. Their two major advantages are their excellent property and their network with churches in the Pentecostal tradition. They have moved their campus 5 times in just a few decades but feel they are better situated now than ever. They enroll about 2000 students this year. About 1000 are in a lower level (Certificate 4) (AA?) and operates largely in churches using DVD lectures with local facilitators. It gives “credit” but only transfers to BA programs at a 50% (2:1) rate. It is considered part of the “vocational” higher ed category with the government. They have another 300 students in their Partner College program, an 700 in the full higher education programs including both undergrads and master’s programs on this campus and in their site in Brisbane. They have about 80 in residence on the campus…..Australian students don’t follow the US model of “going away” to school but prefer to do it close to home. Eg. Classes are held at the Spring Hill church (80-100 in attendance) only 35 minutes away even tho their main campus is underutilized, because students will prefer not to make that trip. They value a “flexible delivery system” even for these 700 students, combining online courses developed by their own staff with and face-to-face intensives and regular instruction. I asked how this delivery fit their explicit desire to model the US liberal arts model. They do embrace the idea of a “broader” education than the usual vocational model but don’t want/expect to become largely residential given the Australian preference for education close to home or online.

Among the biggest “drags” on their progress is the need for resources for capital and program development. Building improvement to appeal to students and program startup funds are both needed. They also wrestle with government relations. The government assigns “slots” which are tied to the student’s ability to borrow with government loans, and these cannot be transferred to other institutions. (This also explains their intention/hope to acquire a campus in New Zealand where acquiring the college would give them slots allocated there by the NZ government permitting growth.)

Among the ideas that were most appealing to them: 1. Closer relationship with a larger US institution that might help them “jump start” added programs that will appeal to students and accelerate their enrollment growth. 2. Informal CCCU “accreditation” via informal formative/evaluative academic and administrative audits. Tho it initially seemed to me this process might not be helpful to them, they said they thought it would. We discussed how this could be done without creating a complex set of criteria. It could involve a US team of those who have done accreditation who ask for a simple (eg 25 page) self-study on several areas…eg. Academic programs, facilities, recruitment, fund raising, governance. Then a visit, a team report. The school would cover costs and probably small stipends. The resulting report would help the school benchmark against US “perspectives” (vs. “standards”) and if it also became a condition for a new CCCU status (“Associate?”) it might help them in establishing credibility in their pursuit of added government accreditation. 3. Web sites listing retirees, sabbaticants, including THEIR people seeking these opportunities in the US.

After a great lunch….asian!....I met with Shane and group of faculty/staff: Norell Nelton (O.T. & distance education), Josh Denton (Tutor in biblical languages), David Parker (22 year veteran in N.T….who would LOVE to attend one day an SBL meeting!), and Lily Arasaratnam (Head of the Leadership program). A great talk here too.. including their ideas about some new ways of promoting partnerships! 1. Video broadcast/webcast of Atlanta Forum workshops! (We REALLY should try to do this!), perhaps a presentation originating from overseas!, 2. SWAT teams for workshops in many areas…including disciplinary areas. 3. Shared full-text resources, 4. Shared online course slots esp at the upper division level, 5. Web listings of US opportunities for staff as well as faculty, 6. Workshops in pedagogy and assessment (Norell), 7. DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC FACEBOOK GROUPS….which can gain momentum of people like Bob Gundry, Nick Wolterstorff, Dallas Willard would lend their reputation by joining it….even if they don’t check in often. 8. A Centralize listing of publications from CCCU members and affiliates. (Books and journals like theirs.)

Finally I met with Jackie Grey and 4 students…Andrew, Analise, Gudrun, and Rebecca, all of them first year students in the Masters of Theology. They’d like listings of US courses and not just full-programs available for visitors, publications from CCCU members, case studies on integration, and networks of CCCU people around the world.

From Steve’s written suggestions to me, he affirms a number of those listed elsewhere in my blog….and adds: 1. Networking of Asian-Pacific, Latin, and African CCCU members regionally. 2. Appoint regional representatives to feedback info to the CCCU in the US. 3. Low-entry cost electronic resources for overseas members. 4. Funded fellowships for overseas scholars to study in the US. 5. Adopt a new membership category for overseas institutions. (His ideas were more developed than this….so apologies to Steve for such a rough caricature!)

Greg Cortese…my fellow “paisan” from Italy drove me in his Z3 convertible (Yes!) to the Criniti’s Southern Italian Cuisine restaurant….YES!! Looked like the hottest spot in town! They were lined up to get in as we left. Had some fun on the street. Greg’s favorite hot kalamata olives were great….he out ate me…..35 to 28…give or take a few! The veal limone was great…..Kit’s not surprised right?....Steve’s “small size” Frank Sinatra (or was it named Pavarotti?)….clams etc….was huge! Steve’s wife Sandra joined us…as well as Mark. I’d met Sandra with Steve in D.C. for the President’s Forum a month ago….so I felt “at home.” I guess because the fall weather was fabulous, the language is no barrier, and the culture is southern California casual…I felt very much at home. Enjoyed the fellowship. Thanks to you all for a great day and yet another evidence that the Lord has many dedicated people engaged in this crucial Kingdom work!

Thursday, March 05, 2009 – 33,000 feet over the Indian Ocean…enroute to Perth

As I wakened this morning with sun streaming into the corner windows of my room filtered through palm trees, I was again aware of how blessed I am to be privileged to travel and meet such wonderful people involved in Christian higher education around the world. It might be tempting to suppose that many have become cynical or have lost site of their calling or of the fact this is the Lord’s business. It might be easy to suppose it is all business. But as I listen to reasons people give me for their work, as I listen to the things that “keep them awake,” as I look into their eyes, I see so many that do this for the Lord. So many seem to have a desire to help students and to help their nation. And many are unafraid to reveal their hearts. That openness is refreshing. These have both been reinforced today. Susan Tai met me for breakfast and we enjoyed an hour and a half…tho she didn’t eat! She shared her calling to Indonesia from Phillips and her passion to help those in need in this nation through the means of nano-technology research on cancer and the improvement of medical care. I met next with Sheldon, Jonathan, Brigida (the Academic V.P.), Budhi (Advancement VP), and Ferliana (VP for Finance). When I asked Brigida what was the mission of UPH she answered without hesitation, “To transform students lives…and not just deliver content.” What a blessing to hear that heart passion of my own repeated so far away. As we rode to the helicopter pad from UPH as I departed, Budhi too opened his heart and I could feel his passion to serve the Lord. Sinta, Professor Ban (Ph.D. from Calvin), even the young assistants here….as in so many other places I’ve visited, seem to “get it” in a way that is encouraging and even inspiring!
After breakfast with Susan, I met with the “Directorate”…those listed above….meaning the Rector, President, and 3 VPs. One was missing….because he is having chemotherapy for cancer. We prayed for him.
I learned more of the Teachers’ College with hundreds of scholarshipped students from poorer villages around the country. I learned of Budhi’s challenge to open schools where they can go to teach as the numbers of grads increase this year. This outreach of UPH seems intentional, offsetting the fact that tuition is among the highest in private tertiary’s in Indonesia. But I learned that tuition is still only $5000/year! I learned UPH is one of only 3 schools in the 35 member Christian Association I met yesterday to have government accreditation. And UPH is the only one of those 35 to have completed the new government accreditation review. I supposed they would not value an “informal academic and administrative audit” such as has been urged by other less developed and less wealthy schools….but they disagreed saying it would be very helpful in promoting globalization as they seek global best practices for their school. Sheldon presented a list of items they had discussed…..all of them related to hiring credentialed faculty…their number one need. They’d like graduate programs offered on site….believing that with the 35 other associate schools they can achieve a critical mass for such degrees to be offered. They want intensive course offered by visiting faculty who would also deliver workshops in a wide range of professional development areas. I asked them to prepare a list of the most desirable graduate degrees….just like we did in Rwanda. I HOPE I can find CCCU schools willing to take the risk and step out both in Rwanda and places like Indonesia….the benefits all around will be huge! The use of retirees was also confirmed.
After a good 2 hours of conversation, we broke for lunch in the Mission Youth For Christ glass dining room off the huge student lounge…..a crucial place since only 900 of the 10,000 students live in residence. Beautifully presented satay, rice dome, beef and beans…..and a wonderful green fruit drink I could not even identify.
I urged Jonathan and Sheldon to send Sinta to D.C. for 4 months….it would be of benefit to Sinta, to UPH, and to CCCU. I hope they will.
They had taken my passport, and cleared my departure in advance….so at we walked immediately from lunch to a waiting car, drove to the helipad, 7 minutes flight to the airport, a van and driver to the baggage area, directly into the terminal no stopping for immigration or check in as Mr. Wriasto again smoothed the way…and he even deposited me in the business class/first class lounge to wait….where I changed from suit to jeans for the two long flights….4 time zones away across the Ocean and across Australia to Sydney. (My phone says Sydney is GMT+11 but my computer says it’s GMT+10) I guess we’ll see tomorrow morning!
My stay in Indonesia was a pleasure from start to finish…the hospitality was amazing, the treatment nothing short of royal, the institution magnificent in programs and facilities, and the people Godly. There is much to be learned from this place. I am really looking forward to being with Richard and Tickey Frost in Sydney after I’ve spent time with Steve Fogarty at Southern Cross and with David Johnston from Wesley Institute. They are old friends from Harare ’87-’89 and I have continued to pray for them ever since. I imagine the reunion after 20 years will be emotional……Friends are a blessing that can never be overestimated.
…..Sitting now in the Perth airport…odd place. The Australian west coast is absolutely desolate…we flew for an hour over NOTHING….just dunes and swamps and no trees. Wow! The international terminal is miles from the domestic and the customs clearance was very strict. They could see a wooden curio from India in my suitcase with their equipment. Didn’t see the wooden curio from Korea…. BTW…did I say that in Jakarta they made me check my bigger bag? First time in 20 flights! Said it was too big, and too heavy. I tried to just stall but it didn’t work….I think it’s because the Qantas flight was really a Jetstar flight and they are a bargain carrier…jammed with people. Anyway fortunately the bag came through ok. Had to take a bus across the runways for 12km to get to the domestic terminal….would have cost $8 but the driver told me to go get a voucher…which they weren’t sure they’d give me at Qantas despite the fact it was a codeshared Qantas flight! Man…they sure don’t make it easy in Perth! Checked in and AGAIN my American Advantage number was not recorded! Karoline said she put them all in there but many times they are NOT there…..so I dread having to submit info to get the credit….just a pain. The drive WAS fun…across pitch dark miles under a bright moon with NO other lights visible….just the driver, me, and one other young couple. Got chosen for the random explosives check in security….but I have lots of time. Bought some internet credit so I’ll put this up now…..
Hope I can sleep on the plane to Sydney…